Real Estate Photographer in San Antonio, TX

Factors such as affordability, recreation, and safety tend to determine where a person chooses to move. A new study shows that in 2025, U.S. and Canadian residents dubbed Texas as the place that ticks all the boxes.

A report from the moving and storage company U-Haul crowns the Lone Star State as the No. 1 destination for in-state migration, meaning more people are moving into it than out of it. The data comes from the entity's Growth Index released on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Researchers ranked the 50 states in order of each one's net gain (or loss) of customers utilizing one-way U-Haul equipment in 2025. The report cites that Texas accounted for 50.7% of more than 2.5 million of the company's transports. Orders originating in both the U.S. and Canada were considered.

The number of folks coming in rose by 3%, according to the study. Meanwhile, 49.3% of U-Haul customers used their services to leave Texas in 2025, a 1% increase compared to 2024.

It marks the seventh time over the last decade that Texas has been considered U-Haul's best growth state. The title was snatched by South Carolina in 2024, ending a three-year winning streak.

"While rankings may not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index is an effective gauge of how well states, metros, and cities are attracting and maintaining residents," the report states.

Some folks may not be surprised by the flip side of the results. The index found that California experienced the greatest number of out-migration for the sixth consecutive year. Illinois, New Jersey, and New York followed behind it. The West Coast site has been criticized due to its high cost of living, among other grievances. A previous MySA report notes how many of these Californians used U-Hauls to travel to Texas.

“We continue to find that life circumstances — marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs, and other events — dictate the need for most moves,” U-Haul International President John “J.T.” Taylor said in the report.

Other elements, like one's outdoor quality of life, played a role, according to the report. The study concludes that locations offering sunshine and warmer weather tend to attract the U.S. and Canadian public. Eight of the top 10 growth destinations experience a southern geography, while eight of the bottom 10 are northern states.

Get ready, San Antonio! The iconic San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is back for 2026, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Running February 12 through March 1, 2026, this beloved annual event brings together heart-pounding rodeo competition, world-class concerts, family-friendly fairgrounds fun, and rich Texas culture for 18 unforgettable days. Whether you’re a country music fan, a rodeo enthusiast, or just looking for an amazing Texas experience, this year’s event gives you plenty of reasons to buy tickets now and make memories with friends and family.

San Antonio Stock Show & RodeoFebruary 6th-23rd, 2025723 Frost Bank Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219

The Story Behind the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Long before the lights, concerts, and carnival rides, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo originated as a humble livestock exposition deeply rooted in Texas’s rich agricultural heritage. The idea took shape in the late 1940s, when community leaders, inspired by the state’s cattle legacy, pushed for a dedicated space where ranchers could showcase livestock and connect with the public. Thanks to that vision and local support, construction on the Joe & Harry Freeman Coliseum began in 1948, and just two years later, on February 17, 1950, the first official Stock Show & Rodeo welcomed crowds in downtown San Antonio.

Over the decades, the event has grown from a regional livestock fair into one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the nation, drawing well over a million visitors annually and becoming a highlight of San Antonio’s winter-spring calendar. In 2003, the rodeo portion moved to the modern Frost Bank Center (formerly the AT&T Center) to accommodate larger crowds and bigger acts, while the adjacent Freeman Coliseum continued to host commercial exhibits, youth livestock competitions, and fairgrounds attractions.

Mission Statement

“A volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas.”

Star-Studded Concert Lineup

Each rodeo performance is followed by live music, featuring an incredible lineup of artists spanning country favorites, Texas legends, and genre-crossing stars. Highlights include:

Opening Weekend

Mid-Week and Weekend Shows

Final Week Highlights

With over 20 nights of concerts, there’s something for every music lover, from classic country to contemporary favorites and even big-name crossover acts.

Thrilling Rodeo Action

It’s not just about the music! The heart of the event is the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, where top cowboys and cowgirls compete in electrifying events like:

Whether you’ve never seen a rodeo or you’re a seasoned fan, the skill, speed, and excitement inside the arena will leave you cheering. Competitions take place throughout the event, building to championship finals on the last weekend.

Fairgrounds Fun for All Ages

Beyond concerts and competition, the Freeman Coliseum fairgrounds transform into a carnival-style playground featuring:

Your rodeo ticket also includes fairgrounds access, so make a day of it!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Tickets are selling fast for this Texas highlight of the year. Don’t miss out on your chance to see your favorite performers live, cheer on world-class rodeo athletes, and soak up the fun of fairgrounds festivities. Secure your seats today through the official rodeo site or trusted ticket partners, and make your way to San Antonio Feb. 12–March 1!

If you just want to explore the fairgrounds, including carnival rides, livestock barns, exhibits, vendors, and more, without attending a rodeo or concert, here are the typical ticket prices for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo:

These tickets include:?? Reserved seat for the rodeo competition?? Live concert following the rodeo?? Fairgrounds admission on the same dayPrices vary based on artist, date, and seat location.

Parking at the Frost Bank Center typically ranges from about $15–$25 per vehicle, depending on the event. Purchasing parking ahead of time can save time and stress on busy nights.

H-E-B is deepening its Dallas-Fort Worth presence. The San Antonio-based grocery chain was approved to build its first store in another North Texas city, Carrollton, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, January 6. The OK comes after some residents expressed concern about congestion in the area.

The Carrollton City Council approved the ordinance to rezone the land located at the northeast corner of Parker Road and Josey Lane. The 120,000-square-foot store will feature a gas station, car wash, restaurant, pharmacy and two drive-thru services. The store will also have covered grocery pick-up and more than 600 parking spaces.

Before the city council discussed, the Carrollton Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of the zoning after hearing from a few locals who shared their worries about increased traffic congestion. However, there was an expressed overall support for the new store at the meeting.

Addressing traffic concerns at new H-E-B

At the Tuesday meeting, city staff said they have conducted a traffic impact analysis for the project and worked with H-E-B after revealing its findings. H-E-B will now construct three turn bays at its site to help control traffic. H-E-B also agreed to construct a traffic signal at the main entrance on Parker Road. After the project is completed, city staff said it will work with the Texas Department of Transportation to try to determine which additional improvements the city can add to improve traffic at that intersection.

"We know we have a very heavily congested intersection today, as it is, that needs improvements," Tom Hammons, the city's transportation engineering manager, said in the meeting. "We will have all the right-of-way we need, and we will work to develop the improvements most needed and cost-effective and have those done in a timely manner."

Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick stated in a city news release that the venture is a culmination of years of "hard work" across the region by several actors. He added that the project shines a light on Carrollton as the community continues to set itself apart as an example of investment and development opportunity.

No construction timeline has been finalized, according to Mabrie Jackson, H-E-B's managing director of public affairs. H-E-B plans to share more details later this year.

H-E-B in North Texas

H-E-B has expanded its presence in North Texas since it opened its first store in Frisco in 2022. Since that time, the grocery giant has opened 14 stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Plano, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Melissa, another Frisco location, Mansfield, Burleson and Hudson Oaks.

Additionally, H-E-B aims to open its first store within Dallas city limits on the southeast corner of Hillcrest Road and LBJ Freeway. The location has also drawn opposition from some due to similar concerns of congestion. Like in Carrollton, the Dallas City Council approved the rezoning request and made way for H-E-B to resume its plans.

H-E-B has said it plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion in that area.

A San Antonio man believes a gorilla at the San Antonio Zoo is fake.

In a TikTok that’s generated over 535,000 views as of this writing, San Antonio content creator (@satxfam21) says he isn’t convinced the gorilla is real. Others feel the same.

In the TikTok, the content creator films the gorilla at the San Antonio Zoo. What’s interesting is the gorilla’s movement and choice to stay within a tightly confined space in the zoo.

“You can’t tell me that is not a human in a gorilla suit at the San Antonio Zoo,” the onscreen text reads.

The gorilla starts his movement by pounding its chest and doing a small jump. In the next clip, the gorilla is seen staring at the glass above the walkway with a ponderous expression.

“Some days it feels like there is a person inside of a gorilla suit, like one day all gorillas went extinct and the world governments have fooled us to believe that gorillas are still real,” he captions the post. Others are equally convinced the gorilla is fake.

“I swear the SA zoo has fake animals," one commenter agreed.

While some wondered if the gorilla was an actor in a costume, others expressed concern for its welfare.

“Why is he in such a small space?” one commenter wondered.

“Idk why this makes me lowkey sad,” another added.

“It made me so sad cause he genuinely looks so confused,” a third said.

Others insisted the San Antonio Zoo is a great facility for the gorilla and that it has ample room to roam.

“OK y’all they are in a state-of-the-art facility on a 2 acre enclosure. Just google Congo Falls San Antonio Zoo. See for yourself,” one of the zoo’s many defenders wrote.

“I grew up going to the SA zoo and they are nothing like other zoos. They take amazing care of the animals and the whole zoo is absolutely beautiful and the enclosures are truly like animal sanctuaries. Congo falls is a 2-acre gorilla habitat!” another wrote.

“I was there! For context, y’all, this is a walkway in their large habitat,” a third pointed out.

“My brother in law helped with the design of the exhibit. They have an insane amount of space, for whatever reason they choose to stay in this part of their enclosure. This exhibit is basically their own building. It's gigantic,” said yet another.

While many viewers worry the space is too small for the gorilla, the enclosure at this zoo is actually relatively expansive.

According to the San Antonio Zoo, Congo Falls is a world-class two-acre immersive habitat for its gorillas. The zoo says that it is the tallest and wildest gorilla experience.

Congo Falls houses seven gorillas across two acres. The open-air habitat reportedly mimics the terrain of the African jungle, with waterfalls and climbing structures. Congo Falls also offers interactive browsing gardens.

“Congo Falls is more than just a habitat; it’s a testament to the zoo’s commitment to conservation, education, and innovation,” per San Antonio Zoo.

The Today Show has reported that the gorillas’ habitat is groundbreaking for a zoo.

The zoo’s commitment to gorillas extends beyond its enclosure. The San Antonio Zoo and Atlanta Zoo have also agreed to collaborate on the Gorilla Species Survival Plan. This plan was put in place to boost efforts in conservation of western lowland gorilla.

This isn’t the first time someone has speculated an animal at a zoo was fake.

A few years ago a viral rumor held that the sun bears at a Chinese zoo were just humans on costumes. The rumor appears to have started because sun bears have similar postures and gestures as humans and even were seen waving to the crowd.

The rumor, however far-fetched, was so pervasive that the BBC eventually debunked it.

At the time, the San Antonio Zoo even hopped onto the trend by posting a photo of their sun bear with the caption “#iamreal.”

The San Antonio Zoo social media team has a history of having fun on the internet. In April 2020, they told people their elephants took a swim in the San Antonio River, My San Antonio reports.

“The April Fool’s joke tricked a number of media outlets, including The Hill and local TV station KSAT,” per The Hill.

The San Antonio Zoo later clarified that the photo was not taken in the San Antonio River.

So given these stories, people may be more inclined to believe that the San Antonio Zoo has fake gorillas.

Clearly it’s highly unlikely, even impossible, that the gorillas at the zoo are humans in suits. That hasn’t stopped people from having fun with the viral post.

“That’s actually my sister. Y’all say hi,” one person joked. Another added, “That’s my brother at his new job.”

Patch has contacted @satxfam21 via TikTok direct message. We’ll update this if he responds.

Update: Via email, Jacob Downing, social media manager of the San Antonio Zoo, told Patch, "He’s real! The gorilla you see in the video is named Ajari. He is one of seven gorillas that call Congo Falls at San Antonio Zoo home. He is 25 years old and weighs over 400 pounds. While this video is real, AI animal videos have become a concern for zoos, aquariums and conservation organizations."

HOUSTON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visual Comfort & Co. announces the opening of its new San Antonio showroom, a 4,000-square-foot destination showcasing the company's portfolio of designer lighting partnerships, including Marie Flanigan, Paloma Contreras, Kelly Wearstler, Sean Lavin and many others.

The showroom features an immersive demonstration area where decorative lighting, architectural lighting, lighting controls, and shading solutions come to life within a home environment. Here, guests can experience the essence of "visual comfort" firsthand, discovering how intentional lighting design not only enhances the richness of fabrics, finishes, and artwork, but also shapes mood, atmosphere, and overall well-being. The space also integrates motorized shades, including the company's new custom Roman Shade program, to illustrate how smart shading and layered lighting work in harmony to balance natural daylight and interior illumination.

"San Antonio's design sensibility reflects a respect for heritage, materials, and enduring quality," says Gale Singer, founder of Visual Comfort & Co.'s direct division. "This showroom brings together our decorative and architectural lighting expertise in a way that allows customers to experience how thoughtful, layered lighting works in harmony with natural light and the warmth of the region."

The showroom is open for walk-ins or by appointment. In-person or virtual consultations can be scheduled at visualcomfort.com/us/showrooms/san-antonio or by calling 210.374.8698.

Visual Comfort & Co. – San Antonio6411 BroadwayAlamo Heights, TX 78209P: 210.374.8698

About Visual Comfort & Co.:Visual Comfort & Co. is the world's premier resource for whole home lighting solutions, spanning decorative, architectural, ceiling fans, landscape, integrated controls and shading. Collaborating with the most talented and influential designers and brands in the industry, Visual Comfort offers an unparalleled assortment of products for every category, style, and price point. With over 60 showrooms and counting across the US, UK, and Asia, Visual Comfort continues to advance its vision of enhancing people's lives through the power and beauty of light.

For more information, visit visualcomfort.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/visual-comfort--co-opens-new-showroom-in-san-antonio-texas-302655736.html

SOURCE Visual Comfort & Co.

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